Drivers were caught in a traffic jam on the M6 in Cheshire earlier this week

Nearly two thirds of UK drivers, around 27 million people, say they plan to jump in their car on the first day of the May Day Bank Holiday weekend, according to research by comparison site Confused.com.

As the weekend draws to a close on Monday there will be around 16.5 million cars on our roads – roughly 37% of the UK’s estimated 45,000,000 drivers.

Motorists are expected to cover 75 miles on average across the three days with the North East of England set for the highest levels of traffic.

It is predicted that 65% of drivers in the region will get behind the wheel.

Busier roads increase the chances of accidents and it is said that one in seven drivers have had a crash or near miss in Bank Holiday traffic.

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There were delays getting onto the M25 from the A282 during the May Day Bank Holiday this time last year

Amanda Stretton, motoring editor at Confused.com, said: “As UK drivers recover from the chaos of one bank holiday, another is very quickly upon us and we can expect this to be equally as busy on the roads.

“With 27 million drivers planning to take to the roads, people can expect more delays, heavier congestion and possibly more accidents.”

“Drivers without strict plans may want to consider driving on Monday, as this is likely to be the quietest day on the roads.”

The Government has said 323.7 billion miles were driven on UK roads last year – a 2.2% increase from 2015.

RAC roads policy spokesman Nick Lyes said: “These figures underline the importance in having a road network that is truly fit for purpose – and a reminder to whoever forms the next government that investment must be sustained to support further economic growth, and to provide roads that deliver safe, reliable journeys for every UK motorist.

“Local roads are also seeing traffic growth and many are struggling to cope with a depressing combination of congestion and potholes.

“This is a constant source of frustration for millions of private and business motorists every day. The RAC believes that a strategic plan which includes longer term, ring-fenced funding is needed and that it recognises the vital role local roads play in moving people and goods around the country.”

Mark Shankland, Managing director of AA Tyres, said: “Although the rate of traffic growth has steadily declined over the last two decades, car traffic rose to an all-time high of 252.6 billion vehicle miles in 2016.

“With commuting and business trips contributing to the largest share of personal car traffic, it’s clear that drivers are more regularly covering the sort of mileage that used to be reserved for long summer trips. This places even more of an onus on drivers to make regular checks on their vehicles – instead of just ahead of holiday getaways.”

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